Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has expressed shock at the untimely death of three young girls in a house fire in Cofimvaba at the weekend.
According to reports, the three children, aged between 8 and 12, died of smoke inhalation on Friday evening after using a candle because of load shedding.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana says a preliminary investigation indicates that the candle was placed on top of a washing machine.
He says General Ntshinga warned parents to exercise extreme caution and provide proper guidance when they leave children alone and possibly organize a caregiver to look after them.
Police have opened an inquest docket.
